Wonderful Korea – Gangwon

Dec 30, 2017 | Views: 370

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The beautiful autumn leaves of Gangwon are a sight to behold

Gangwon, highlighted in purple, in relations to the rest of Korea

There is something in the human soul that eternally yearns for open spaces; for the sight of verdant forests and imposing mountains, that smiles at the soothing tinkle of water in a country brook and finds serenity in the thundering roar of a waterfall. It is no wonder that those seeking respite from modern life, or an adventure have always sought out the blissful sanctuary of nature.

It is for these reasons, and more, that Gangwon in South Korea is a sight to behold and an adventure to experience. The province is home to both the exquisite tranquility of nature and the site of temples and secluded spots blessed by the presence and meditations of spiritual seekers.

Map of Gangwon. Click on image to enlarge.

A Province is Born, and Reborn

Gangwon was designated one of the Eight Provinces of the Kingdom of Korea over 600 years ago, at the very start of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897). The name is a combination of ‘Gangneung’, a nearby large city, and ‘Wonju’, the provincial capital at the time. In 1896, Chuncheon was named the new capital of Gangwon and it remains so today.

The signing ceremony of the Korean War Armistice Agreement of 1953

The war of 1945 split Korea into North and South along the 38th parallel, rending apart the province. The portion that remained in the South was named Gangwon while North Korea renamed the part it retained, Kangwŏn. The Armistice Agreement of 1953 shifted the official border to the Military Demarcation Line, and the northern boundary of Gangwon has been the DMZ (ilitarised Zone) ever since.

The Demilitarised Zone (or DMZ) runs along the 38th parallel and it split Gangwon into two. The half that South Korea retained the name Gangwon, while the half that North Korea took over was renamed as Kangwŏn. The DMZ is considered one of the last vestiges of the Cold War.

Meet the People

More than 1.6 million people call Gangwon home. Buddhists make up 23% of the population while 24.7% follow some form of Christianity (15.6% Protestants and 9.1% Catholics). The remaining 52.3% of the population are either not religious or follow indigenous religions like Muism, a form of shamanism native to Korea.

The Place

Gangwon is the northeastern-most province of South Korea. It shares a land border with North Korea while its shores gaze upon the rising sun as they are washed by the waters of the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

The interior is mountainous, and covered with vast tracts of virgin forest. Between and under them lie massive cave complexes. The highland areas receive significant snowfall, making Gangwon a popular winter destination for both vacationing Koreans and international tourists. Her coastline tapers gently into the sea, creating wide beaches in its wake.

The climate of Gangwon is heavily influenced by its latitude. Being further north than any other part of the country, it sees the coldest winters, particularly in Yeongseo, the inland highland region. Yeongseo is blanketed by huge amounts of snowfall in the cold season.

Autumn is the most beautiful season in Gangwon

However, the province’s proximity to the sea reverses matters in summertime – the mercury soars and the air hangs heavy with humidity. This is especially palpable in the Yeongdong region which forms the eastern part of the province and includes the coast.

Gangwon experiences violent winds in both the spring and summer seasons. The best time to visit is autumn; as Korea’s coldest province, the cool autumn breeze is a pleasant prelude to the chilly winter and creates exquisite vistas of multi-coloured changing foliage.

Food

About 10% of Gangwon is farmland. Clean mountain air and pure, unadulterated water nurture the soil, the growing plants, and the animals that live here. There is certainly no doubting the freshness of local food, and the roots of some traditional dishes served today can trace their roots back to one millennia ago.

Makguksu, a chilled buckwheat noodle dish that is especially popular during Gangwon’s humid summers

One example is makguksu, a buckwheat noodle dish served in a chilled broth in which additional flavours are infused by using sugar, mustard, sesame oil and/or vinegar. The noodles are topped with whatever vegetables strike the chef’s fancy to create a frugal but filling meal.

It was first served between 918 CE and 1392 CE, when the Koryeo (the root of the name ‘Korea’) Dynasty ruled the land. Since then, this dish has become a part of the identity of the area surrounding Chuncheon, the capital, and more than a dozen makguksu restaurants dot the downtown area.

Chodang sundubu (soft tofu) also has ancient roots in Gangwon. It was created by author Heo Gyun, whose pen name was ‘Chodang’, during the Joseon Dynasty which succeeded the Koryeo Dynasty.

Heo Gyun used water drawn from the ground to create his tofu, and flavoured it using saltwater from the sea. This combination gives chodang sundubu its unique tang, while its light, fluffy texture is attributed to the fine cloth filter used to drain the soy bean curd.

Dak-galbi, a Chuncheon dish that is now popular all over Korea

A more recent addition to the local menu is dak-galbi, a sweet and spicy dish of grilled chicken served hot on the same table on which it is cooked. Although ‘dak’ translates into ‘chicken’ while ‘galbi’ means ‘rib’, the word in itself does not refer to chicken ribs. The dish was first eaten on the outskirts of Chuncheon in the 1960s as an inexpensive food consumed with alcoholic drinks.

Dak-galbi’s affordability made it a favourite of soldiers and students, earning it the nickname “commoners’ galbi” or “university students’ galbi” in the 1970s. Modern dak-galbi is seasoned, deboned, stir-fried chicken served with sliced tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cakes), sweet potato, perilla leaves and cabbage.

Gangwon’s freshwater rivers and its proximity to the ocean make seafood especially fresh and cheap. Raw cherry salmon and cuttlefish are the prime gastronomic attractions. The gigantic Jumunjin Seafood Market is the perfect place to try dried seafood and sashimi.

Korean Etiquette

Asian rules of etiquette place great emphasis on social hierarchy and respect for elders. It can be a fascinating learning experience for outsiders in Korea to observe the interactions and orderly procedures through which individuals conduct themselves.

On the other hand, the country is paradoxically also one of the most modern countries on the planet, if you take into account factors like exposure to technology and media. Expect the average Korean to be aware of the significant differences between their culture and yours, and to be graciously forgiving of transgressions by non-Koreans during their interactions.

However, like most people the world over, Koreans will appreciate the effort a foreigner makes to adapt to their local customs. Here are some basic rules and guidelines to Korean social etiquette that are both easy to learn and to follow. Remembering them will make you an especially popular guest in a country that is already very welcoming of visitors.

Korean Greetings

As with most East Asian countries, a bow is the typical greeting in Korea. There are different kinds of bows for different occasions and different scenarios.

The correct way to bow in South Korea

Common, everyday greeting bows may be as informal as a slight bob of the head. In general, the older the recipient or the higher their status, the deeper the other person has to bow. It is best to bow from the waist, legs straight and with your hands at your sides.

Men often follow a bow with a handshake, supporting their right hand with their left as they shake. Bows are given when in greeting and when departing.

At a gathering or when meeting a new person, it is usually better to be introduced by a third party than to introduce yourself.

Names

In Korea, the family name comes first, followed by the given name. As a general rule, never address a Korean by their given name unless invited to. This is especially so for those senior in age and/or rank.

With those of equal or lower rank, it is best to use a professional title (or Mr., Mrs., Miss) and a last name. Those of senior rank to oneself should be referred to by their professional title only.

In Public

Loud conversation and laughter in public is considered uncouth, especially if you are speaking in your own language. When talking on your cell phone, be courteous to those around you and moderate your volume accordingly. Likewise, if you are listening to music, make sure only you can hear it.

If you are in public, try to avoid blowing your nose. Public displays of affection also tend to be frowned upon, although this is changing slowly with younger Koreans. However, kissing is still disapproved of widely. Physical contact with people you do not know well should be avoided.

Shoes

Take off your shoes before entering a Korean home. You will sometimes find a closet for your shoes near the door; if not, just leave them in the space by the entrance. You will often be provided with slippers to wear around the house.

Shoes are not allowed in most Korean homes, and slippers may be provided for guests.

Traditionally, the “shoes off” rule was universal in all buildings, private and public. While this is no longer the case, you may still find some places where you must remove your shoes. Some restaurants require diners to remove their shoes and sit cross-legged at low tables.

If you are visiting a Buddhist temple, you should remove your shoes before entering any of the buildings. Some inns require you to take off your shoes before entering your room as well.

Eating and Drinking

The social aspect of eating a meal constitutes an important part of Korean culture (as in much of the rest of the world). There are a myriad of rules to follow at the table, from the manner in which you sit to how to serve yourself and others, to the placement of cutlery and utensils.

Some are the same as in any Western society – chew with your mouth closed and try not to make too much noise. Others are more obscure, like the placing of your chopsticks and spoon in their original position on the table, not in the rice bowl between bites. The rice bowl itself is usually left on the table for the entire duration of the meal.

The typical Korean meal consists of rice, soup and side dishes, known as banchan. Soups, stews and side dishes are usually served in communal crockery or dishes. Do not pick around the dishes looking for the choicest parts, or pick off what you do not like. Such behaviour is considered to be rude and inconsiderate to your fellow diners.

It is always best to allow the more senior people at the table to begin eating before you do.

Drinking has its own rules of etiquette. Firstly, never pour your own drink – let someone else pour for you.

If you are drinking with someone senior in age or stature, pour his or her drink first. When both pouring and receiving, be sure to hold the bottle or glass with both hands. As you might expect at this point, the most senior person of your party should drink first.

If you are a junior, it is considered good manners to turn your head to the side, away from your senior, as you drink.

What to Experience

The sharp clack of a wooden gong resounds off wizened oaks and birds pause their chatter to listen. Below, crickets chirp unabated. Ancient Buddhist sutras follow, the air vibrating with their power as it has in this forest for hundreds of years. In an antediluvian cave, people wonder in silence at the mesmerising shapes that nature has fashioned so far below the earth’s surface.

Gangwon is known for her incredible natural beauty

Far away and far above, a child lifts her head up to the heavens and snowflakes waft down to her outstretched tongue. She smiles in delight at the pleasant sensation.

To the east, where the sand meets the water, a couple gazes into the distance to the point where the water meets the sky.

This is Gangwon.

The province is truly a nature lover’s paradise but it is far from just that. Snow sports enthusiasts love the winter here and beach bums enjoy the summer. Foodies indulge in delectable creations unique to the region, all made with the freshest ingredients. The pious come to discover for themselves why so many great monuments were built here.

Here is a brief guide to some of the best sights, sounds and experiences that await the intrepid visitor to Gangwon.

1. Namiseom Island

Namiseom is an artificial semi-circular island on the North Han River. It formed in 1944 when the Cheongpyeong Dam was constructed. Namiseom is named for General Nami, who fought and defeated rebels during the rule of King Sejo (r. 1455-1468 CE), the seventh king of the Joseon Dynasty.

The island getaway is popular with residents of Seoul, being just an hour’s drive and a short ferry ride away. Water sports facilities, a theme park, shooting range and skating rink cater to the influx of visitors and create a carnival feel in which people of all ages revel.

Chestnut and poplar trees dot the 553,560 sq. yard landscape, and even more varieties line the straight avenues at regular intervals. There are few signs of modern life away from the entertainment sites; even electricity cabling has been laid underground.

Resort villas and bungalows are available for visitors to stay on the island.

Accommodation

There are several accommodation options, ranging from luxurious hotels to modern guesthouses. We recommend that you do further research to find one that fits your budget and requirements. Here are two examples which are close to Namiseom Island.

2. Seoraksan National Park

Seoraksan National Park was chosen as a nature preservation area on November 5, 1965 and designated as Korea’s fifth national park in 1970.

400,000 sq. kilometres of craggy peaks, hot springs, unique wildlife and the temples that have sat between them all for over a thousand years make up this captivating National Park.

Starting right from the coast of the East Sea and stretching westwards, the park gets its name from the 1,708-metre (5,603 foot) tall Seorak Mountain, a gigantic natural feature that can be seen from near and far. The seaside city of Sokcho is the most popular gateway in the Park.

Seorak Mountain is the main attraction of Seoraksan National Park

You do not have to hike up the mountains – there is a cable car station almost right at the entrance that will deliver you to a plateau high above in about 6 minutes.

The entire Seorak region is a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Creeks and hot springs abound amongst the dense forest, as do some very popular waterfalls like the Daesung, Oktang and Yongtang Falls.

Huge monoliths known as the Biseondae Rocks are strewn in a small area around cascading pools of blue water known as the Fairy Pools. They are probably shattered pieces of a truly gigantic boulder that tumbled from the mountain above many centuries ago.

The jungle creates a wonderful play of colour due to changing foliage in autumn which brings a whole new measure of beauty to the area, and not far from the entrance to Seoraksan National Park in Sokcho is the 1,400-year-old Sinheungsa Temple.

The Jwabul Buddha looking over Seoraksan National Park

Before you reach the temple, the serene Seated Buddha greets visitors. 15 metres tall and made of bronze, the Jwabul Buddha weighs over 108 tons even though it is hollow. Interred inside the statue are gifts donated by the Myanmar government – three pieces of the Buddha’s robes and remains from his cremation. He sits in serene meditation, eyes half-closed, straddling the physical and spiritual realms. Surrounding his head is a stunningly intricate adornment of large jade and amber stones.

3. Woljeongsa Temple and Sinheungsa Temple

South of Seoraksan is the Odaesan National Park in Pyeongchang, home to the Woljeongsa Temple. It is the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and records show that it is the world’s oldest Zen (Seon) temple.

The temple complex stands in the valley beside Odaesan Mountain. First built about 1,400 years ago, the original structure was damaged several times, most recently during the chaos of the Korean War.

The reconstructed and restored buildings include the Seongbo Museum, an octagonal pagoda that rises nine storeys tall and a Seated Buddha carved in stone. The pagoda is a designated National Treasure and has watched the trees and mountains grow for over a millennium.

Ancient Buddhist relics, dating back anywhere from centuries to over a millennia ago, are stored and displayed at the museum and inside the pagoda. It is also said that the Buddha’s bones are preserved in the Jeokmyeolbogung Hermitage a few kilometres north of the Sangwonsa Temple.

Dozens of exquisitely-carved statues and architectural elements adorn the site, and the scenery from the grounds is breathtaking all year round. Woljeongsa Temple runs a Temple Stay program which allows members of the public to live within the complex and gain a new perspective on Buddhism through personal experience.

Accommodation

Seoraksan National Park is a popular tourist destination with a variety of accommodations to suit a range of budgets within its vicinity. Prices vary mostly according to the location and the season, and are near the above attractions. Below are two examples:

4. Alpensia Resort

Alpensia is a combination of ‘Alps’ and ‘Asia’, alluding to its fantastic sights and challenging mountain slopes. The Alpensia Resort is a world-class snow sports destination; in fact, it will be the site of the 2018 Winter Olympics Village and the location for nine separate events during the festival.

Within its grounds, there are six slopes varying in difficulty from beginner to advanced. There is even a dedicated snowboarding area. Some runs are illuminated for night skiing until 10pm.

In summer, the base of the slopes, otherwise known as the Apron Area, turns into a massive flower garden. There are golf courses and even a water park, making Alpensia a fun year-round destination for the entire family.

There are direct buses to the resort from both Incheon Airport and Gimpo Airport. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and is a very reasonable US$35 for adults and US$20 for children.

Accommodation

There are several accommodation options here, ranging from 5-star hotels to budget motels. We recommend that you do further research to find one that fits your budget and requirements.

5. Naksan Beach

Naksan Beach is a 4-kilometre sandy stretch on the 24 kilometres of shoreline that form the easternmost limits of Naksan National Park. The wide beach is juxtaposed against a cliff covered with a dense forest of pine trees.

It descends gently into the East Sea (Sea of Japan), creating a safe, shallow waterline perfect for recreational swimming.

Accommodation

There are several accommodation options here, ranging from 5-star hotels to budget motels. We recommend that you do further research to find one that fits your budget and requirements.

6. Naksana Temple

Naksana Temple sits at the eastern limits of Naksan National Park and overlooks the East Sea. A temple was first established here by the Buddhist monk, Grand Master Uisang, in 671 CE.

It is said that the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Gwanseum-bosal or Haesugwaneumsang) appeared to the monk in his meditations and instructed him to build a temple there. The spot where he received this epiphany is today commemorated by the Uisangdae Pavilion, right at the edge of the cliffs.

Gwanseum-bosal or Haesugwaneumsang, the Bodhisattva of Mercy. In other traditions, she is known as Kuan Yin Pu Sa (China) or Chenrezig (Tibet).

One of the most serene sights of the temple grounds is the 15-metre (49 foot) tall statue of Haesugwaneumsang, the Bodhisattva of Mercy, a hand raised in eternal blessing as she gazes upon the spot here where the sun rises.

Accommodation

Visitors are spoilt for choice of accommodation and there are options ranging from the most basic to the most luxurious. We recommend that you do further research to find one that fits your budget and requirements.

7. Jeongdongjin Sunrise Park

23 million years ago, nature carved massive slabs of rock into terraces along what is today the shoreline of Jeongdongjin. The Jeongdongjin Sunrise Park is situated here, the ideal location to take in the sight of the golden sun rising from the horizon.

Koreans and tourists from around the world flock to the park and the nearby beach for the spectacular vistas of the resplendent sun shining on the sea, sand, trees and cliffs. The lead-up to the new year is the best time to visit as the Sunrise Festival gets underway here.

The rising sun over the ocean is a popular natural tourist attraction

The garden outside the 180-metre long train that is the Jeongdongjin Time Museum houses the world’s largest hourglass, which has a diameter of 8 metres. This instrument has also become a major attraction and draws large crowds to witness the moment it tips over to indicate the start of the New Year.

Accommodation

There are many accommodation choices available to visitors, ranging from the very simple to luxurious hotels. We recommend that you do further research to find one that fits your budget and requirements.

8. Jeongseon Auraji Rail Bike

The Jeongseon Rail Bike is a popular recreational sport among tourists

For over 50 years, the rail lines between Auraji and Gujeol-ri stations transported countless tons of coal. Korea gradually abandoned its reliance on the fossil fuel and in 2004, rail bikes took the place of laden coal wagons.

The 7.2-kilometre long track is a continuous gentle descent, making for an effortless ride while enjoying views of towering cliffs, clean valley waters and crimson red foliage. Sections of the track run through tunnels and a light show has been created to entertain and amaze riders in the brief periods when nature is not.

There are two-person (110 kilogram) and four-person (138 kilogram) rail bikes. Despite their size and weight, the rail bikes run quite smoothly and one person can pedal a four-person rail bike at speeds of up to 30km/ph.

Accommodation

Ranging from simple guest houses to luxurious hotels, there is a wide variety of accommodation option available here. We recommend that you do further research to find one that fits your budget and requirements.

9. Taebaeksan National Park

The Taebaeksan National Park is named for Taebaeksan Mountain, a craggy series of peaks intimately associated with Korea’s Buddhist past. Yeongbong Peak is perhaps the most famous of these and has been witness to veneration rituals for centuries.

Although the highest summits rise over 1,500 metres from the valleys, Taebaeksan Mountain is a relatively easy climb of gentle ascents and level tracks.

Blanketed with snow in winter, covered in the reddish and pink hues of azalea and rhododendron in spring, awash with the verdant green of new forests in summer, and a combination of all of those in autumn, the Park is a feast for the eyes whenever you visit.

Taebaek Mountain is awash with brilliant hues of reds, pinks and purples in the spring time.

The annual Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival features traditional and modern snow sculptures, attracting both Korean and international visitors. The crisp mountain air and natural springs are recognised as some of the cleanest and purest in all of Korea.

Accommodation

There are several accommodations in the vicinity of the National Park, ranging from the most basic to the most luxurious. We recommend that you do further research to find one that fits your budget and requirements.

10. Odaesan Mountain

The five mountaintops of Odaesan Mountain draw a circle in the middle of the Taebaek Mountain range located in the Odaesan National Park, some 20 kilometres from Korea’s northeastern coastline. Buddhist temples, shrines and sites of significance are scattered between these peaks.

As spring and summer draw to a close, and the seasons take a colder turn towards winter, prepare yourself for the picturesque beauty of yellow, orange and flaming red leaves when fall arrives. The crisp crunch of ‘foliage treks’ is perhaps one of the most satisfying experiences to be had here.

Visitors will find that walking allows them to truly enjoy the autumnal sights and sounds on Odaesan Mountain

The mountain and surrounding forest are alive with the signs and sounds of flora and fauna, some of which are unique to the area. Colourful birdlife – woodpeckers and turtledoves – as well as musk deer and boar are frequently spotted in the wooded areas. People come from afar to see the royal azalea blooms and yew forests.

Jeokmyeolbogung, one of the temples on Odaesan Mountain

The annual Odaesan Mountain Culture Festival gives visitors an intriguing insight into local life and its Buddhist heritage. Folktales and modern stories, art and craft, and a focus on the ecology and environment are the focus of the festival.

It is possible to travel to Odaesan Mountain by public transport, but it is preferable to lease a local bus and driver as the mountain roads can make for a challenging drive.

Accommodation

There are many accommodation options to choose from, ranging from simple hostels to guest houses to luxurious hotels. Here are just three examples, but we recommend that you do further research to find the right accommodation for you.

11. Ojukheon House

The Joseon Dynasty (1392-897) presided over Korea at the time of its greatest scientific achievements, including the creation of its first celestial globe. The Korean tea ceremony and the cultivation of Korean gardens also arose in the Joseon period.

Ojukheon in Gangneung is home to one of the oldest houses in Korea still standing today. Ojukheon House is approximately 600 years old and has been preserved for being the birthplace of Confucian scholar, Yulgok Yi-I (1536-1584). His mother, Sin Saimdang was also an accomplished artist, author and poet.

Ojukheon House

Artwork created by the family is on display, as are Buddhist and Confucian works, and other items that give an insight into the daily lives and experiences of people who lived in that time.

Accommodation

There are a number of hotels within walking distance of Ojukheon. We recommend that you do further research to find one that fits your budget and requirements.

12. Daegeumgul Cave

Underground cave complexes can remain hidden away from human eyes for untold millennia, and that is nearly what happened with the Daegeumgul Cave which was only discovered in 2003 after nearby excavation works accidentally exposed an entranceway. Scientists confirm that this cave system is as old as the famed Hwanseongul and Gwaneumgul Caves.

Inside the caves, the sound of water is never far away, as freshwater forms waterfalls and pools so far below the surface. An underground lake, approximately 60 metres long, 30 metres wide and 8 to 9 metres deep is one of the main attractions. Stalactites, stalagmites and helictites formed over hundreds of thousands of years abound.

Korea’s first cave monorail runs 140 meters into Daegeumgul, and the Visitor Centre is the ideal place to learn about the significance of these natural caves for the local ecology.

Daegeumgul Cave is a popular tourist attraction in the Donghae area but the authorities have taken measures to avoid too much disruption to the cave’s fragile ecosystem, and to give visitors the best experience possible. As such, the cave is only open to those who have made prior online bookings as there is a limit to the number of visitors per day. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Accommodation

There are a variety of accommodation choices to suit a range of budgets available in the vicinity. We recommend that you do further research to choose the best hotel according to your needs.

13. Samcheok Ocean Rail Bike

Most of Korea’s abandoned train tracks that have been converted into rail bike tracks are located in the interior, giving you endless vistas of mountains and rivers. The Samcheok Ocean Rail Bike track, for example, takes you on a 5.4 kilometre journey showcasing Korea’s coastal beauty.

One of its highlights is the tunnel within which rail bikers are treated to a fantastic laser show.

Accommodation

There are many budget accommodation establishments nearby which you can choose according to your requirements. We recommend that you do further research to find one that fits your requirements.

14. Goseong Unification Observatory

It has been said that the ability to feel hope is what differentiates higher-thinking beings from animals. To feel hope, or the feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen, we must be fully cognizant of a situation, its variables and the potential consequences, and possess the ability to wish against or for a particular outcome. The Goseong Unification Observatory is testament to that fact.

Built in 1983 by an army unit, it is one of many monuments in the Gangwon Province that is a physical representation of the hope for a reunification between the two Koreas. The observatory is the nearest point to Geumgangsan Mountain in North Korea from where the peak can be viewed in the South. You can also see Haegeumgang, the various peaks of Geumgangsan Mountain and nearby islands from here.

North Korea, as seen from Goseong Unification Observatory

Because of its proximity to the North Korean border, some pretty extraordinary security measures are in place for a tourist site. You will have to register at an army post 10 kilometres before you reach the guards. The observatory is a five-minute walk up a hill.

Accommodation

There are many budget accommodation options nearby for you to choose from. We recommend that you do further research to find one that fits your budget and requirements.

15. Charmsori Gramophone and Edison Science Museum

Located 15 minutes from downtown Gangneung and just over an hour from Ojukheon, the Chamsori Gramophone and Edison Science Museum holds the world’s third-largest collection of memorabilia related to Thomas Edison. It has a collection of 1,000 books, 4,500 phonographs, 150,000 phonograph records, and 5,000 items from 20 nations.

The museum has an extensive collection of phonography items

The museum’s attractions include:

World of Sound:

Tracking the history of sound, this attraction displays gothic and renaissance organs, music boxes, radios and record players.

World of Image:

This attraction displays silent films and biographies of early filmmakers, Edison’s projectors, and televisions, including those made by John Logie Baird in the 1920s.

World of Light:

Displays items from gas lamps to the original light bulb invented by Edison, an electric generator, the bamboo filament light bulb, and the first wall-attached electric lamp.

Edison Invention Hall:

Edison was a prolific inventor, and 850 of his inventions can be seen here, including three of his greatest – the phonograph, the light bulb, and the projector. You can also see autographed letters and objects that he personally used.

Edison & H. Ford Hall:

Features the battery car invented by Edison and the Model T car by Ford.

Accommodation

There are many lodging options, ranging from budget motels to luxurious hotels, around the area. We recommend you to do further research to find one suitable to your needs.

16. Biryong Falls

The Biryong Falls got its name because the falling water looks like a dragon flying up towards the sky

The name ‘Biryong’ means ‘Flying Dragons’ and the Biryong Falls are supposed to have been so named because the cascading water looks like the mythical creatures soaring up towards the sky.

Located within the Seoraksan National Park, the falls are actually part of a network of many waterfalls of varying heights. Some zigzag down channels that the water has worn into the stone over centuries, while others descend from short lips directly into lucid pools of blue water.

Bridges straddle mountain streams, leading from one to the next and showcasing the natural beauty of this virtually untouched part of the Gangwon interior.

Accommodation

There many choices of accommodation ranging from budget motels to luxurious hotels around the area. We recommend you to do further research to find one suitable to your choice.

17. Chiaksan Mountain

Chiaksan National Park is located in western Gangwon, and was named Korea’s 16th National Park. Chiaksan Mountain, after which the park is named, is a chain of peaks, several of which tower more than a kilometre into the air. The tallest of these is at 1,288 metres.

18. Baekdamsa Temple

Seoraksan National Park is a massive expanse of land and its outer regions are frequently explored by tourists from near and far. The inner Seorak region, however, remains largely secluded because of the difficult journey required to reach it, and it is here the Baekdamsa Temple has sat for 1,300 years.

Baekdamsa is a Buddhist temple in the Inje County of Gangwon Province. It was originally built in the 7th century.

It was constructed first in 647 CE but natural disasters and war have seen it destroyed numerous times. It always rises again, and the current architecture dates to 1957.

‘Baekdamsa’ translates as ‘Hundred Pools’ and the name is a reference to the number of pools between the temple and Daecheongbong Peak.

Baekdamsa Temple gained fame when Manhae Han Yong-Un, an independence activist and poet wrote his literary piece called “Nimui Chimmuk” (Silence of the Beloved) here. The temple contains the Manhae Monument Hall built to remember his spirit.

Baekdamsa Temple is a symbol of both the human spirit and the spirit of Buddhism, both eternal, resilient and together as one in seclusion here. It is one of the few Korean Buddhist temples to offer non-Koreans the privilege of temple stays.

Accommodation

There many places to stay that suit a wide range of budgets around the area, ranging from luxurious hotels to modern guesthouses. We recommend that you do further research to find one suitable to your choice.

19. Hwanseongul Cave

Hwanseongul Cave is the largest limestone cave in Asia, formed an estimated 530 million years ago. To date, 47 new breeds of animals have been discovered around the cave, with four of these found to only live in the cave itself. A monorail was installed in the cave in 2010 to allow more people to see what this natural wonder has to offer.

Accommodation

There are several lodging options in the area, ranging from luxurious hotels to modern guesthouses. We recommend that you do further research to find one suitable to your choice.

20. Gyeongpodae Pavilion

Staircase leading to the Gyeongpodae Pavilion

Set upon the curve of a lake but also gazing over the sea, Gyeongpodae Pavilion is an ancient structure whose location was chosen specifically for the view it affords of the moon on the 15th day of the first lunar month.

The intricately-designed roof and eaves are painted a variety of bright colours, and depict flowers and animals in highly stylised interpretations. The grassy rise that leads up to the pavilion is just as colourful in spring and summer with the hues of a variety of flowering plants.

Poems and literary works by some of Korea’s most revered poets and scholars are kept on display inside.

Accommodation

Now that Gangneung has become a popular tourist destination, there is a wide variety of accommodation choices on offer. There are many upscale hotels, mid-priced hotels, and also smaller motels from which visitors can choose.

Here are two examples, but it is recommended to research for one that fits your budget.

Getting There

The scenery of Gangwon is a perennial feature of Korean drama series and some particularly memorable ones have contributed significantly to the rise in the province’s status as a domestic tourist destination. It has its own airport, the Yangyang International Airport.

While it is designated an international airport, Yangyang only receives cross-border flights from Kitakyushu in Japan, augmented by seasonal ones from Vladivostok in Russia. The airport also handles domestic flights to and from the cities of Busan and Jeju.

Expect a significant increase in the near future – the 2018 Winter Olympics in nearby Pyeongchang will leave the region a wealth of world-class winter sporting facilities that should attract snow and ice enthusiasts from across Korea and around the world.

Gangwon is also accessible by rail, the preferred way to travel there for most Koreans. Three rail lines connect to the region.

Korea has a fantastic network of roads and many solo travellers, couples and families opt to drive to Gangwon by car or travel by coach. The province is easily accessible by road from virtually anywhere in the country.

Passports & Korean Visas

Foreign nationals entering Korea need a valid passport and usually also require a Korean visa from a Korean embassy or consular office. However, citizens of some nations are allowed visa-free entry for limited periods under a visa exemption agreement.

Korean embassies and consular offices, and the following websites will be able to assist you in determining the exact requirements for your case:

Travel Book on Gangwon

Any trip is much easier and enjoyable if you spend a little time on research and planning. We recommend the Lonely Planet travel guide because it captures the essence of the Gangwon spirit in the range of activities and adventures that the authors explore, and the depths to which their research has gone.

Lonely Planet has been the most popular and trusted producer of travel guidebooks for just about every travel destination in the world. With constant updates from a vibrant travellers’ community, the Gangwon chapter of the Lonely Planet Korea guidebook contains detailed itineraries, highlighted destinations, reviews on hotels, food options, local attractions, transportation, and colour maps for various locations.

Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 13 of the Malaysian Copyright Act 1987, allowance is made for “fair dealing” for purposes such as non-profit research, private study, criticism, review or the reporting of current events. The Operator and author(s) of TsemRinpoche.com, a not-for-profit blog, do not claim ownership on the intellectual property rights of the contents, images and/or videos reproduced in this article. Any subsisting intellectual property rights shall belong to the legal owner of the contents, images and/or videos.

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4 Responses to Wonderful Korea – Gangwon

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Gangwon is so picturesque for her autumn beauty. The colourful autumn leaves together with the mountain range and forest setting is the perfect stage for natural photographers. I believe it is a good travelling destination for families with elderly and youth. Thank you for sharing.

Gangwon is a very interesting place. It’s a place blessed with natural and and unpolluted beautiful scenery. A place with nice beach and also a for winter skiing. Really wonderful. Amazingly also there are many temples in Gangwon and big buddha statues. Thank you Rinpoche for also sharing the cultural of Koreans. This is very important so we do not offend people when we are in their country and also if we have Koreans friend here. It is mutual respect to understand people’s cultural and background.

Gangwon is a mountainous, forested province in northeast South Korea, is relatively undeveloped being 82% mountainous and only sparsely populated. Gangwon is blessed with beautiful mountains and clean beaches that offer some of the best sceneries and vacation spots throughout the year. Mountainous Gangwon gives some of South Korea’s most spectacular landscapes.
It is the home of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018. . The beaches are popular spots for watching sunrise on New Year’s morning as well. Winter in Gangwon is heaven for winter sports enthusiasts, as the province gets a lot of snow.
It seem that these place is top summer vacation destinations for many tourist around the world. I have not been to Korea at all ,do hope someday I could visit with my family.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing.

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Alice Tay

Tuesday, Mar 20. 2018 05:24 AM

Many people including Dr Richard (at the beginning stage) have the perceptions that happiness is come from the material possessions such as money, cars, houses and etc etc. In fact, all of the material possessions and status are just to satisfy our desires and not happiness.

Very grateful that Dr Richard stood out and shared his life experience by letting people know that true happiness is not only focus on the material possessions and serving ourselves. Be compassionate and always think of others and understand others’ pain and suffering in mentally, physically, hardship, emotionally, financially and so forth. Letting go give us freedom and help us find the true happiness. Adversely, the more we focus only ourselves, the more suffering may have to go through. The choice is in our hands.

Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this inspiring story of Dr Richard and reminds me that only Dharma can help us especially when the death comes to us.

Appreciate Digital Journal who is another big media network to write an article about Rinpoche’s comments on self immolation. It is not acceptable that Tibetan Leadership is not taking any action to stop the suffering on their people. 152 cases and still does not dawn on them of their people’s request. Thank you Rinpoche for your work in standing up for the Dorje Shugden practitioners and enduring all the attacks from various sources.

With this article and hopefully many more to come, more people would stand up against self immolation and unfairness imposed by Tibetan Leadership. The government can’t just stay numb but instead quickly engage in peaceful dialog to resolve this matter.

The friendly ties between China and Nepal today is excellent news for the people of Nepal as well as spiritual aspirants in general. With the strong economical backing from China, Nepal will be able to develop and preserve many historical and cultural sites, which include the birth place of Buddha, Lumbini, as well as many other holy sites. With better preservation and cultivation, more pilgrims will be able to pay homage at the sacred sites and make a strong connection with Buddha and gain the blessing. This is truly good news for all! Rejoice. Thank you for sharing.

I am glad I came across this post. Truly amazing looking at those thangkas . Those beautiful thangkas tells us a thousand words each and every thangkas depicts the life story of Lama Tsongkhapa. Thank you Rinpoche for sharing .

The relations between Nepal and the People’s Republic of China are age old and deep rooted. Nepal’s pressing need for an economic boost and China’s interest has proven the ability in aiding Nepal. China influence over Nepal in recent years is just increasing recently with Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli, been elected as the Prime Minister of Nepal . China and Nepal have been stepping up efforts through economic engagement , speeding up plans to build a railway line connecting to Nepal’s border from Zhangmu and proposed extension of the Qinghai-Lhasa railway from Zhangmu to the capital and onwards to Lumbini. The economic cooperation between Nepal and China will help to improve connectivity between the two countries Wow ….China agreed to provide Rs 48 million assistance to Nepal ,for the country development and also to preserve and advancement of Buddhist and other spiritual practices in the country.
Thank you Rinpoche and Seow Choong Liang for this interesting post.

Thank you Rinpoche for sharing the story of beautiful Tara and the beautiful praise. Tara is a gentle female embodiment of universal compassion and the enlightened, virtuous and miraculous activity of all Buddhas. Interesting to know that there are other different legends about her origin. One of the legend…….Tara is believed to be born from the compassionate tears of Avalokiteshvara, The Buddha of compassion and another she was born as a compassionate princess.
As said Tara’s loving compassion is stronger than the love of a mother for her children and her deepest desire is to diminish our suffering. There are varies forms of Tara, the Green and White Taras are the widely worshipped . All the forms are beautiful , I love most is the White Tara and Green Tara. May Mother Tara blessed all of us, and free us from sufferings through Dharma practice.

Rejoice …..not only one but two beautiful Bhagawan Dorje Shugden Chapels been established in Kathmandu now. More and more people get connected to our Powerful Protector. We have to thank those involved , the many kind and generous sponsors, the supportive authorities concerned to name a few. Without their tireless effort ,there won’nt be two chapels , the first in 2016 and the latest added one in early 2017. The Dorje Shugden is spreading ,it’s a good sign . May the people at the two chapels be blessed. May HH Dalai Lama please lift the ban soon for the benefits of all people around the globe.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing this great news .

Lama Temple is as the Yonghe Lamasery, or The Yonghe Temple and sometimes it is also known as Harmony and Peace Palace Lamasery. It is a temple and monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism located in Beijing, China. Having a beautiful architectures , has Attracted many locals and foreign to visit this temple. The building and artwork of the temple is a combination of Han Chinese and Tibetan styles. This temple is considered as the largest and most perfectly preserved lamasery in present day China .Initially it was built in 1694 During this Qing Dynasty. This exceptional temple is a glittering attraction in Běijīng’s Buddhist firmament. This Lama Temple was originally the home of Qing dynasty Prince Yong before he became the Emperor Yongzheng.
I have not been to Beijing before, i would love to visit these beautiful temple one day.
Thank you Rinpoche for sharing ,with much details and will be easier for those intend to visit it.

Tsem Rinpoche felt so honored. He gave the biggest room in the house to Kensur Rinpoche. He furnished his teacher’s room and planted flowers and trees so it would be pleasant for his lama.

Tsem Rinpoche served Kensur Rinpoche as his secretary and assistant during his tenure as abbot. He also single-handedly brought Kensur Rinpoche’s diabetes under control, ensuring all food was regulated, medication given on time, schedules were not too taxing and personal attendants were trained to take care of the lama.

When Tsem Rinpoche was about to move to his new ladrang, one of the monks advised him to invite Kensur Jampa Yeshe Rinpoche to stay with him. At the time, Kensur Rinpoche was the abbot of Gaden Shartse Monastery, but he also stayed in a small room in Zong Ladrang.

Thus, Tsem Rinpoche invited Kensur Rinpoche to move in with him. He also promised that should Kensur Rinpoche agree to move in with him, he would take care of his needs, serve him and be his assistant. Kensur Rinpoche agreed.

It is with a heavy heart to read this article and the message from the great Buddhist master of the Karmapa tradition. His incarnation status of the great heritage of the lineage put the Karmapa at a spot where he is surrounded by politics that come with conflict and deception. It is very unfortunate that a great incarnated master who is destined to dedicate his life to Buddhism and the spreading of authentic teaching, fell prey to the ugly clutches of politicians! This is the misfortune of the people, of his followers and students, as well as of all Buddhists. May all Lamas and Buddhist leaders forget the rifts from the past, look beyond the line that divides and look at the greater good by bringing authentic Buddhism to many more people! Thank you, Rinpoche, for this sharing.

The opening of Dorje Shugden chapels in the busy streets of Kathmandu is a key milestone, as it signifies the tearing down the invisible barriers in the mind of people; people will feel welcome to worship and receive blessings from Bhagawan Dorje Shugden. To the public of Kathmandu, they are familiar with the streets where the chapels are, making it accessible for them. Coupled with the fact that people can invite the Dorje Shugden free distribution items home; everyone, regardless of creed and faith can make a connection with the divine Dharmapala. How wonderful. Rejoice! This is truly the spirit of Buddhism and made possible through the compassion and grace of His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche. Thank you for this uplifting sharing.

Gedun Nyedrak’s succeeding incarnation was found in the Drikung district of Tibet amidst auspicious portents of a high incarnate Lama. He was named Kentrul Thubten Lamsang. He obtained his Geshe Lharampa degree in the presence of H.H. the great 13th Dalai Lama and various other esteemed masters.

Kentrul Rinpoche was known for his devotion to Dorje Shugden and the special connection he created between the laypeople of Phari, Tibet with this Dharma Protector.

Gedun Nyedrak was born in northern Kham, Tibet to the Selsha household of Tsem Monastery. “Tsem” is the honorific word for “tooth,” because the monastery was the custodian of the tooth relic of Lama Tsongkhapa. One of Gedun Nyedrak’s notable achievements was the restoration of Gaden Shartse Monastery, which had been desecrated by civil unrest.

After Gedun Nyedrak’s retirement as abbot, he spent the remainder of his life living in a cave and engaging in a White Tara retreat, which he dedicated to the long life of the 13th Dalai Lama. During this retreat, Gedun Nyedrak left his body and entered clear light.

Wow ….interesting knowledge of all those herbs which are used for making incense. The health benefits of using herbal incense are countless. There are so many different herbs for a variety of different applications in the market. Some are used in food flavouring , healing , cleansing and purifying of negatives environment and for religious use . The most calming, soothing herbs for incense do wonders for relaxation and sleep. Herbs are widely used by different cultures all over the world for recovery and good health. Interesting to know of the tibetan Sage (Ganden Khenpa) ‘s legend behind it. Amazing how the epidemic were cured by the burning it as incense. Its wonderful to know its benefits and properties of the herbs and resins.
Thank you Rinpoche and Pastor Antoinette Kass for this sharing.

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I must thank my dharma blog team who are great assets to me, Kechara and growth of dharma in this wonderful region. I am honoured and thrilled to work with them. I really am. Maybe I don't say it enough to them, but I am saying it now. I APPRECIATE THESE GUYS VERY MUCH!

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Dear everyone... This is a good condensed talk I gave on Guru Yoga of Tsongkapa. This is the one you should share with others when they are interested in a not too lengthy explanation. It is the perfect practice for everyone who wants simplicity yet effective blessings. You can share this with more people, it will be good.

External Articles

ANIMAL QUOTES

"If you say you don't have money to help a animal shelter, why then do you have money to buy meat?"

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"Eating animals is not our God-given right, but being kind to them is."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"What makes us good humans is not how we abuse animals, but how much we allow them to live and be happy freely."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"We need another and wiser and perhaps a more mythical concept of animals.... We patronize them for their incompleteness, for their tragic fate of having taken form so far below ourselves. And therein we err, and greatly err. For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complex than ours they moved finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations, caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth."

~ Henry Beston, The Outermost House

"Not eating animals is only unnatural when we are not used to it."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

MOTIVATIONAL QUOTES

"We may encounter defeat, but we must not be defeated."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"What you are today, is the choice you made yesterday."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"You think you can choose your life? What an ego trip!"

~ Lama Yeshe

"If TODAY you are dissatisfied, you must make the changes to create different results for TOMORROW."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

SPIRITUAL QUOTES

“If one does the recitation of the Lama Tsongkhapa guru yoga prayer for even one month using one of the visualizations for great or clear or quick wisdom, one will definitely see development of that wisdom. It is proved by experience. There is no doubt that by doing the Lama Tsongkhapa guru yoga practice one can meet Lama Tsongkhapa’s teachings from life to life. And furthermore, it gives one the opportunity to be born in the pure realm of Lama Tsongkhapa, Tushita, whenever death happens.”

~ Pabongkha Rinpoche

"I was 18 years old in 1983. That was a very special year as I met His Holiness Kyabje Zong Rinpoche and received innumerable precious teachings and empowerments from Him at Thubten Dhargye Ling Centre in Los Angeles, California. It was the best time of my life. A time that seems so magical and surreal to me. Kyabje Zong Rinpoche is Heruka Buddha and I met Heruka."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"If being me offends you, maybe I'm not the problem."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"Never abandon your spiritual teacher no matter how many inner obstacles you need to overcome."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"Actions to force something to be permanent makes all the karmas arise."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"The dharma is not easy to listen to… because some people take it as criticism. But Dharma should not be just feel good only for the moment but for deeper contemplations."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"Whether we do work and suffer but for others or we do work and suffer for ourselves, either way we have to suffer. That is the nature of samsara. So let us suffer for others and then suffering has meaning."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"Those who really want the dharma to grow within themselves and to grow for others should never fear hard work, timing, difficulties, struggles, disappointments because it is for a good cause. Working for Dharma is not a prison or work, but it is purely spiritual practice. It is purely collection of merit and purification. Actually not doing dharma work is the real prison."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"His Holiness Zong Rinpoche stressed the need to continue to practice even when we come up against obstacles, and that we should continually review our progress. He stated that a happy, luxurious life was like a good dream, and that obstacles and difficulties were like a bad dream. We should give them no significance, but simply carry on working towards real, everlasting happiness."

LIFE QUOTES

"I pity men who occupy themselves exclusively with the transitory in things and lose themselves in the study of what is perishable, since we are here for this very end-that we may make the perishable imperishable, which we can do only after we have learned how to approach both."

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"Money amplifies negative characteristics and that can cause problems.
To walk away from that was actually very easy. I didn't even consider it."

~ Angeline Francis Khoo

"I shall not commit the fashionable stupidity of regarding everything I cannot explain as a fraud."

~ Carl Jung

"There is a devil there is no doubt, but is he trying to get into us or trying to get out?"

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"If you love someone, show it by being honest, respectful & honorable with them."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."

~ Henry David Thoreau

"If I can just be the way I am & you the way you are & we accept each other, world peace is near."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"I am Asian, you are some other beautiful color. Together we make diversity so beautiful."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"It's amazing how some people have never met me or know who I am, but based on a few things they read here & there & rumours, they have formulated a new personality for me & all the things I've never done they passionately speak about....I find it funny and entertaining now. I guess we can't spend our lives fighting rumours...we just have to work hard & then rumours get proven wrong on it's own as a by product. No point explaining repeatedly. Just do our work & show results!!"

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"There's a difference between patience and laziness. Patience comes from respect while laziness from disrespect of others."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"Although outwardly we have so much, we have so many conveniences, inwardly we have become more unhappy, so, acquisition is not the secret to happiness. The more we get, the more we have, the more unhappy we become."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"Before we experience any pain, we already had a fixed view of how things should be. When the experience we encounter contradicts our views, then the pain arises. The pain arises due to our fixed views not so much the experience itself. So the secret is changing the views. Re-educating ourselves on our views."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"You know since very young, for better or worse, I always did the things that others told me not to do. I wasn't really good at following the rules. Even now with how I share Dharma and my practice, I just do it the way I think it should be done but I do it sincerely. Not what others tell me what I can and can't do."

~ Tsem Rinpoche

"Love me or hate me, both are in my favor... If you love me, I'll always be in your heart... If you hate me, I'll always be in your mind."

~ William Shakespeare

"One isn't necessarily born with courage, but one is born with potential. Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can't be kind, true, merciful, generous or honest."

The Unknown

The Known and unknown are both feared,
Known is being comfortable and stagnant,
The unknown may be growth and opportunities,
One shall never know if one fears the unknown more than the known.
Who says the unknown would be worse than the known?
But then again, the unknown is sometimes worse than the known. In the end nothing is known unless we endeavour,
So go pursue all the way with the unknown,
because all unknown with familiarity becomes the known.
~Tsem Rinpoche

Photos On The Go

Click on the images to view the bigger version. And scroll down and click on "View All Photos" to view more images.

7 days ago

How fortunate I am to be sitting in my room, with a rosary in my hand reciting the mantra given to me by my compassionate guru and to meditate in developing a compassionate heart and purifying my karmas. How fortunate I am to be able to spend my time in such a meaningful manner. Tsem Rinpoche

2 weeks ago

Comic drawn by Tendor, a prominent Free Tibet activist-Every Tibetan knows that although His Holiness the Dalai Lama says he is retired from politics, he is in full control of the Tibetan government in exile. No member of the government will dare carry out any decisions without His Holiness' approval. He is retired for the sake of the west so he does not look like a dictator.~Tenzin Damchoe

3 weeks ago

It would be wonderful if everyone can recite these two mantras 100k each focusing on Shakyamuni Buddha and His powerful healing energies. Not collectively but each person 100k each of each mantra. Praise to Shakyamuni the Sage who showed us a permanent way to bliss.

3 weeks ago

In Tibet Shannan area Riwoche Ling Monastery, devotees are putting Tsem Rinpoche's photo inside the cabinet together with the Buddha he loves - Dorje Shugden
在西藏山南日乌曲林寺，信徒们把詹杜固仁波切的法照和他最敬爱的多杰雄登护法像摆在一起

Here, His Holiness Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche (left), one of the tutors of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, confers one of the many countless tantric initiations on the Dalai Lama (right). You can see a young Dalai Lama bowing in this picture with Trijang Rinpoche blessing him. Trijang Rinpoche is therefore undoubtedly the Dalai Lama’s tantric master. A great master at that. Tsem Rinpoche

1 month ago

This is a very sacred statue of Buddha Chenresig (Avalokitesvara/Kuan Yin) that manifested many miracles in North India. Read and see more pictures and understand the background here: http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=153802

2 months ago

Wonderful updated version of The Promise book is out! Please get your copy. Much more new information included.

Beautiful and sacred Vajra Yogini in Pharping, Nepal. The caretaker said it was owned by the Great Marpa the translator who was the guru of Milarepa. Wow.

2 months ago

In the Lankavatara Sutra, Lord Buddha says: "For innumerable reasons, the Bodhisattva, whose nature is compassion, is not to any meat. Thus Mahamati, whenever there is the evolution of living beings, let people cherish the thought of kinship with them, and thinking that all beings are [to be loved as if they were] and only child, let them refrain from eating meat. Mahamati, meat is not eaten by anybody for any reason, there will be no destroyer of life. Thus, Mahamati, meat-eating I have not permitted to anyone, I do not permit, I will not permit."

2 months ago

At times I have to be a trendsetter in spirituality as opposed to just being a follower and that is why I take chances and try. I may not be liked always for it, but I have to do it. In this way I have been introducing Dorje Shugden to the world. I know Shugden is good and will help so many and that is why I do it.

2 months ago

Courage is doing something you know the majority will not agree with and perhaps even some will scorn you for it, but you do it anyway because you know it's right and will benefit people at the cost of your own reputation. That's how I feel when I share Dorje Shugden's practice with the world.

2 months ago

Courage is doing something you know the majority will not agree with and perhaps even some will scorn you for it, but you do it anyway because you know it's right and you are true to yourself.

2 months ago

At times I have to be a trendsetter in spirituality as opposed to just being a follower and that is why I take chances and try. I may not be liked always for it, but I have to do it. In this way I have been introducing Dorje Shugden to the world. I know Shugden is good and will help so many and that is why I do it.

2 months ago

Courage is doing something you know the majority will not agree with and perhaps even some will scorn you for it, but you do it anyway because you know it's right and you are true to yourself.

2 months ago

Courage is doing something you know the majority will not agree with and perhaps even some will scorn you for it, but you do it anyway because you know it's right and will benefit people at the cost of your own reputation. That's how I feel when I share Dorje Shugden's practice with the world.

3 months ago

Beautiful Buddha built in Sarnath, India. Sarnath was the place where Lord Buddha first starting teaching the sacred Dharma. Tsem Rinpoche

3 months ago

This is so good. I need to remember this and not allow people to do this to me anymore. Being kind is one thing, but when they are doing it and it harms, it is not a matter of kindness anymore but taking advantage.

A gorgeous Dorje Shugden painted in traditional art style of China. Chinese art has flourished for over 5,000 years and highly sought after. This form of Dorje Shugden is sitting on a seat as you see painted in his chapel (Trode Khangsar) in Lhasa, Tibet. Dorje Shugden can be on a seat or Lion. More downloads here. http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/downloads/buddha-images.html

4 months ago

Dear friends, The Dorje Shugden oracle of Gaden Shartse Monastery was authorized and blessed by both Kyabje Trijang Rinpoche and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche. He was a favorite among high lamas for his smooth trances and clear prophecies. This video is a one-of-a-kind where you see the Choyang Dulzin Kuten oracle take trance of the peaceful form of Dorje Shugden wearing the robes of a high lama giving teachings, blessings and transmissions. Very sacred and rare video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pawS1TMOe8k

The Huffington Post extensively covers the Dorje Shugden issue. I had no idea that this article was being written. I was not contacted, not asked for an interview or asked for any comments, and then it was published and my students alerted me to it. So it was a very, very pleasant and encouraging surprise to read such balanced coverage from such a reputable news website. You can read it here: http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/?p=149806

(Drepung) Dear friends, In the effort to be creative about something as holy and beneficial as Dorje Shugden, we've come out with these new and realistic depictions. One is Dorje Shugden visiting the Potala Palace and the other is Dorje Shugden arising from Drepung Monastery where he lived in Zimkhang Gangma Ladrang as a high lama. Please enjoy and be blessed. Sincerely, Tsem Rinpoche (High resolution downloads: http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/downloads/buddha-images.html )

4 months ago

Dear friends, In the effort to be creative about something as holy and beneficial as Dorje Shugden, we've come out with these new and realistic depictions. One is Dorje Shugden visiting the Potala Palace and the other is Dorje Shugden arising from Drepung Monastery where he lived in Zimkhang Gangma Ladrang as a high lama. Please enjoy and be blessed. Sincerely, Tsem Rinpoche (High resolution downloads: http://www.tsemrinpoche.com/tsem-tulku-rinpoche/downloads/buddha-images.html )

Dear friends, This meme is powerful. Who you hang around with and the types of attitude they have is who you will be influenced by many times and who you will become in the future. Look at your friends and the people that always surround you to know who you will become. Tsem Rinpoche

5 months ago

October 2017, His Holiness Gaden Trisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal graciously reading our Kechara album and updates as presented by Beng Kooi and Martin. He was very pleased with our progress and offers his blessings. Tsem Rinpoche

5 months ago

His Holiness Gaden Trisur Rinpoche grants audience to Beng Kooi and Martin in France. Read more on His Holiness Gaden Trisur Rinpoche: http://bit.ly/1PlaNNS

5 months ago

Recently Beng Kooi and Martin on behalf of myself and Kechara was lucky to have audience with His Holiness Gaden Trisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal of Gaden Shartse Monastery. He lives in around Paris, France. His Holiness is 91 years old and very healthy and alert. He was the 101st throne holder for Tsongkapa and was the head of the Gelugpa school of Buddhism and was very successful during his tenure. He is a strong practitioner of both Sutra and Tantra of Je Tsongkapa's tradition and a master of all Buddhist knowledge. He holds steadfast to his protector Dorje Shugden very strongly. So we can see even the highest throneholders who are masters of Sutra and Tantra also practices Dorje Shugden knowing the benefits.
Beng Kooi and Martin brought photo albums of Kechara Forest Retreat/Kechara and updates on Kechara and our works. His Holiness was very pleased to listen and offered some gifts back.
This is a beautiful picture and the great blessings bestowed on us from His Holiness Gaden Trisur Rinpoche Jetsun Lungrik Namgyal.
Humbly, Tsem Rinpoche
Read more on His Holiness Gaden Trisur Rinpoche: http://bit.ly/1PlaNNS

Videos On The Go

Please click on the images to watch video

1 week ago

Super neat footage of Patty the Bigfoot!

In 1967, Bob Gimlin and Roger Patterson stumbled across an incredible sight whilst out in Bluff Creek, in the California wilderness. At a creek which had been freshly washed-out by recent floods, they witnessed a female Bigfoot swiftly traverse the rugged landscape. Since their filmed encounter with the Bigfoot, who has since been nicknamed Patty, many have disputed the authenticity of their recording but no one has been able to successfully prove that it is a fake.
Credits for this video goes to entirely to windvale for the original footage.

3 weeks ago

Adorable Tibetan kids wishing Happy New Year 2018

The children and their little well-wishing voices are adorable!! It is a must listen. They recite prayers to Dorje Shugden to invoke blessings for everyone for the New Year 2018! At one point, they sprinkle some of the drink into the air as per tradition as an offering to Dorje Shugden. Shugden's practice in Tibet has been strong for four hundred years and is continuing to grow. Happy New Year (Losar) to everyone. May everyone have peace. Sarva Mangalam!

3 weeks ago

Dogs are super intelligent. This dog was trained as a service dog to help his owner who suffers from seizures. It even goes to the extent whereby he will lie under her head when she has a seizure, to protect her head from banging on the floor.

3 weeks ago

Beautiful Tibetan children wishing Happy New Year!

4 weeks ago

Ven Lobsang Jigme of Tsem Monastery in Yara, Tibet is passing out pictures of Tsem Rinpoche to the locals.

A mother's love is made up of a deep sense of care, of sacrifice and pain as a mother's heart is always with her children. Watch this touching video.

4 months ago

Dorje Shugden & Ministers

Dorje Shugden and his two ministers, Kache Marpo and Namka Barzin. Vajrasecrets.com

4 months ago

Cham Dance

Cham is sacred dance. A dance that enacts the life story of a holy being. By participating in Cham, one is blessed to see the sacred life story of a being celebrated. This is a cham on Dorje Shugden. It\\\'s a short clip but interesting none-the-less. Tsem Rinpoche

4 months ago

The great Gautama Siddhartha meditating intensely is protected by the King of Nagas during heavy rains

The King of Nagas knows this great being Siddhartha will soon become the Buddha. By offering his own body as shelter to the Buddha to be, he honours the state of enlightenment which will be won and gains merit for himself for his future lives although he is a naga now. The pre-eminent Buddha is an object of perfect offering gaining great merits for all beings. Tsem Rinpoche

5 months ago

This topic is so hot in many circles right now.

This video is thought-provoking and very interesting. Watch! Thanks so much to our friends at LIVEKINDLY.

5 months ago

Chiropractic CHANGES LIFE for teenager with acute PAIN & DEAD LEG.

5 months ago

BEAUTIFUL PLACE IN NEW YORK STATE-AMAZING.

5 months ago

Leonardo DiCaprio takes on the meat Industry with real action.

5 months ago

Do psychic mediums have messages from beyond?

5 months ago

Lovely gift for my 52nd Birthday. Tsem Rinpoche

5 months ago

This 59-year-old chimpanzee was refusing food and ready to die until...

she received “one last visit from an old friend” 💔💔

5 months ago

Bigfoot sighted again and made it to the news.

5 months ago

Casper is such a cute and adorable. I like him.

5 months ago

Dorje Shugden Monastery Amarbayasgalant Mongolia's Ancient Hidden Gem

5 months ago

Don't you love Hamburgers? See how 'delicious' it is here!

5 months ago

Such a beautiful and powerful message from a person who knows the meaning of life. Tsem Rinpoche

5 months ago

What the meat industry figured out is that you don't need healthy animals to make a profit.

Sick animals are more profitable... farms calculate how close to death they can keep animals without killing them.
That's the business model.
How quickly they can be made to grow, how tightly they can be packed, how much or how little can they eat, how sick they can get without dying...
We live in a world in which it's conventional to treat an animal like a block of wood.
~ Jonathan Safran Foer

5 months ago

This video went viral and it's a must watch!!

6 months ago

SEE HOW THIS ANIMAL SERIAL KILLER HAS NO ISSUE BLUDGEONING THIS DEFENSELESS BEING.

This happens daily in slaughterhouse so you can get your pork and Bak ku teh. Stop eating meat.

6 months ago

Beautiful Buddha being sculpted from clay.

6 months ago

After a while, you are are numb and you just keep doing it. You don’t know what you are doing and you don’t see it for what it really is. Tsem Rinpoche

This is how the chickens are killed in the farm, they die a very horrible death.

6 months ago

America likes to police the world but their own record of civil rights is not on track. Watch this video from people of color in the US.

6 months ago

Important video to watch and learn.

6 months ago

Bigfoot’s voice captured on tape.

6 months ago

Amazing video that you will not regret watching.

7 months ago

Norma Jean

These are the heartbreaking scenes we see over and over again, that we share in the hopes of telling the stories of those who otherwise would have suffered and vanished from this earth without a trace. This is Norma Jean. Free for a little over five months, she knew more happiness than millions of her sisters ever will. But she couldn’t escape the fate genetically programmed into her as an egg producing machine. She seemed more lethargic than usual this morning, so we brought her inside to administer fluids and antibiotics in the hopes of pulling her through until we could get her in to see our vet. She couldn’t hang on. She died this evening shortly after this video was taken, severely infected from the rotting egg yolk adhered to various organs throughout her abdominal cavity. Like virtually every single one of her sisters, caged or free range, rescued or not, she paid the ultimate price for eggs (from FB)

7 months ago

If you want to change the world, start of by making your bed

If you want to change the world, measure a person by the size of their heart

7 months ago

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau visits a Hindu mandir (temple)

While on a visit to a Hindu mandir (temple), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks on diversity as Canada's strength.

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CHAT PICTURES

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1 hour ago

Nepal Pilgrimage 2018 , Picture taken at Tilopa and Naropa caves while Jerry was doing explaination before prayers . Caves of the Great Mahasiddha Naropa ~ By KSDS Jayce Goh

Teacher Irene , Teacher Alice and Teacher Asyley acting and explain to the children What and how to deal with "Anxiety". By Asyley Chia KSDS

1 week ago

Throw back yesterday was Kechara monthly animal liberation and save a life activity.Pastor Han Nee leading and thank you KSDS Teachers and Students's participated We delicate to our guru Tsem Tulku Rinpoche long life and always turn the dharma wheel.By Asyley Chia KSDS

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